Page 41 of Molt

I reach beneath the bed and pull it out.

Skin.

The piece from hours ago. The one that disappeared.

It’s folded neatly.

My heart starts pounding.

I didn’t put it there. I know I didn’t.

I unfold it.

Something has been written across the inside in black ink.

One word.

NINE.

I drop it. “No.”

My phone vibrates on the nightstand and I scramble for it.

August.

I answer immediately. “Did you come into my apartment?”

“What?”

“Did you take the skin from my bedroom?” I ask as I get out of my bed and head for the door.

Silence.

“August.”

“No.”

“Don’t lie to me.”

“I’m not.”

“It’s under my bed.”

His breathing stops.

“What?”

“The piece from this earlier. It’s under my bed.”

“Lenora, don’t touch it.”

“Little fucking late for that.” I say, opening the door and walking into the hallway.

“What does it look like?”

“Like skin!”

“Anything else?”